Contents

Key information: Croda da Lago Circuit

This is a tiring but almost perfect day walk around the spiny crest of the Croda da Lago massif.

Climb through beautiful open forest to a meltingly pretty lake, then cross high passes with magnificent views, descending back to the treeline down a wild, broken valley, beneath the stupendous cliffs of the Croda da Lago throughout.

Walk summary

The long, spectacular spine of the Croda da Lago in the central Dolomites can be circuited in this approaching-perfect day walk.

The first hour or so is in beautiful open mixed forest below Passo Giau, reaching a giddy clifftop with magnificent views across the Cortina valley and up to the La Tofana and Nuvolau features.

The trail then winds below the cliffs, through a beautiful rough meadow, then above the ravishing Lago Federa with its tree-capped boulder islands, which when we were there in mid June still reflected, in its placid waters, big snow piles in the gulleys at the cliff bases.

From the superbly sited Rifugio Palmeri (views across high pasture to the spire of Beco de Mezodi and back over the lakes, and perhaps the best hot chocolate ever?), the trail winds steadily and delightfully to the high Forcella Ambrizzola pass.

It now turns north, tracking the Crodas western flank to the high point at Forcella Rossa di Firmin, with its wonderous views over to the Pelmo, arguably the Dolomites most splendid massif, then descending a wild, wild, rocky valley back to the treeline.

This walk is well described in Cicerones Shorter Walks in the Dolomites. A longer version of this walk could be made from Passo Giau, or it could be linked with walking on to the Citta di Fiume refuge under the Pelmo.

Other books

Maps

Good quality maps are usually available locally.

Best times to walk/weather

Best times to walk

June to October. Check precise opening/closing dates of the refuge, if you wish to stay there.

Weather

Generally fine in season, but come prepared for unpredictable mountain weather and cold nights when high up. It can snow even in high summer. Beware of afternoon thunderstorms in high summer. Keep away from peaks, ridges and "ferrata" equipment if they get near.

Getting there/transport/permits/fees

The nearest major airports are at Venice, Verona and Innsbruck. Train and bus access is available (see guidebooks), although most people will approach by car. If on long trails, you can get taxis back to your car from various roadheads.

Those on organised expeditions are likely to be transported from/to arranged start/departure points.

Route(s)

Possible problems, health, other warnings

Altitude: Likely to affect you a bit: expect to puff and perhaps develop a mild headache. Take the first day gently.

Mountain weather: snow, rain, severe cold and wind are possible at any time of year. Beware afternoon thunderstorms. Come prepared.

Heat and strong sun. Carry enough water and protect yourself.

Heights: can be dangerous; not for those who have difficulties with heights. (This applies especially to the via ferrata sections of AV1 (see warning in Walk Summary above) and other vie ferrata in the Dolomites.)

Harmful animals: including snakes, and ticks in some areas. Take all appropriate precautions.

This is remote country: Carry sufficient food and other supplies. Help may be hard to get if things go wrong.

See also the websites in our useful links page for more detailed, and up-to-date, information.

Safety and problems: All walks have inherent risks and potential problems, and many of the walks featured on this website involve significant risks, dangers and problems. Problems of any sort can arise on any walk. This website does not purport to identify any (or all) actual or potential risks, dangers and problems that may relate to any particular walk. Any person who is considering undertaking this walk should do careful research and make their own assessment of the risks, dangers and possible problems involved. They should also go to Important information for further important information.

Accommodation

Endless and excellent options.

Rifugio Palmieri.

An excellent option as for day walkers is to stay in the profusion of comfortable hotels/inns. We ate like kings at the very comfortable Refugio Passo Giau (+390457720130  www.passogiau.it ) with its marvellous views.